Of course everyone knows of this infamous catfish. Jeremy wade caught it, one almost the length of his body. Do I see it often in the hobby? Not quite. Meet my new goonch, bagarius. Lica ( B. Indochina and B. Yarelli now categorised under one).
Of course, this fish would not be with me long term as I know how large they get. Currently mine is around 11–12” in length (including its long whiptail). Since I’m in army now and not studying, I thought it would be a good time to grow one out, document about it and share my experience with it before selling it when it gets too large for my tank. Good way to earn some money as well, no?
why do I say it’s risky? Goonches are known to randomly die out of the blue for no apparent reason, one day perfectly fine and eating, and the next, dead as a dodo. thebiggerthebetter (the catfish guy of mfk) doesn’t even own one due to the high risk of keeping one. Similar to Hydrolycus scomberoides, it is said they rarely reach over 2 years. Or, 24” in length in aquaria.
I know this from first experience as this isn’t my first goonch either. Last year I had purchased one, within the week it had died mysteriously without eating. The reason I’m only willing to post this now, is this newest goonch ( my second one) finally started eating this week, so off to a great start. First pic, shows its full, fat stomach. I’m hoping this guy is able to survive in my tank, so I can give more information on this little known fish on mfk. Cheers!
Of course, this fish would not be with me long term as I know how large they get. Currently mine is around 11–12” in length (including its long whiptail). Since I’m in army now and not studying, I thought it would be a good time to grow one out, document about it and share my experience with it before selling it when it gets too large for my tank. Good way to earn some money as well, no?
why do I say it’s risky? Goonches are known to randomly die out of the blue for no apparent reason, one day perfectly fine and eating, and the next, dead as a dodo. thebiggerthebetter (the catfish guy of mfk) doesn’t even own one due to the high risk of keeping one. Similar to Hydrolycus scomberoides, it is said they rarely reach over 2 years. Or, 24” in length in aquaria.
I know this from first experience as this isn’t my first goonch either. Last year I had purchased one, within the week it had died mysteriously without eating. The reason I’m only willing to post this now, is this newest goonch ( my second one) finally started eating this week, so off to a great start. First pic, shows its full, fat stomach. I’m hoping this guy is able to survive in my tank, so I can give more information on this little known fish on mfk. Cheers!